Question
How should one handle neonatal seizures?
Answer
It is normal for newborns to experience startle reflexes during sleep, which are caused by an underdeveloped nervous system. Startle reflexes typically manifest as the baby’s arms flailing upwards and then quickly pulling them back, sometimes accompanied by crying. In such cases, gently supporting a part of the newborn can help calm them down. However, if you notice that the newborn has fixed eyes, tremors, or continuous blinking, along with chewing or suckling movements of the mouth, irregular breathing, and blue skin or facial muscle twitching, these may be signs of a seizure, indicating a possible underlying condition. Immediate medical attention should be sought.